TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- Nick Saban lays out simple criteria for what he requires from his “gunners” on special teams.

So simple, in fact, that reporters would be able to spot them.

“You can name them,” Saban said to reporters Thursday. “Who are they? Big, fast guys.”

Gunners
are the players who are tasked with lining up on the edge of the line
of scrimmage, racing down the field and being the first to greet a punt
or kick returner. Because of the danger they pose to that returner,
gunners often draw double- or triple-teams.

Thus, the need for size and speed.

“I
think straight-line speed is really important; the ability to release
and block a guy that's trying to hold you up,” Saban said. “Once you
beat him with your release, you can get on top of him with your speed.
You've got to be a pretty good tackler.”(ep)

Speed might be more important than tackling, though.

“If
you're fast enough and you get down there fast enough then they're
going to fair catch it,” Saban said. “You don't have to be such a good
tackler.”

Last
year, safeties Vinnie Sunseri and HaHa Clinton-Dix and linebacker Trey
DePriest earned their stripes as freshman gunners. Saban said Alabama is
working with “a lot of guys” who can potentially do the same in
2012.